Time zone
GMT +08:00
No time difference
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit
1SGD = 3.20MYR
Official languages
Malay
Best time to visit
FEB - APR
Dry season offers clear skies and good diving conditions.
Recommended trip duration
3 days
Top things to do in Kota Kinabalu
Bongawan Mangrove River Cruise & Fireflies with Infinity Dream Beach Sunset Tour
Hotel pick-up
Small group
English guided
Afternoon departure
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
S$ 48.45
Snorkeling & Island Hopping at Sapi & Manukan Island in Sabah
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
S$ 52.35
Mari Mari Cultural Village (Half Day Tour)
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
Up to 3 hrs
Instant confirmation
S$ 39.09
Sunrise & Sunset Stand Up Paddle Boarding Experience with Transfer
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
Private group
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
S$ 25.39
Mantanani Island Snorkeling or Diving Optional Mangrove River Cruise
English guided
Morning departure
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
S$ 92.20
Mount Kinabalu & Desa Farm Full-Day Tour
Book now for tomorrow
Private tour
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
S$ 50.79
Mengalum Island Snorkel & Sea Adventure from Kota Kinabalu
English guided
Morning departure
5-7 hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
S$ 101.29
Ventus Spa Massage Packages in Sabah
Book now for today
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
S$ 21.25
The Best of Kundasang in Sabah
Hotel pick-up
Small group
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
S$ 90.65
Tandem Paragliding Experience in Borneo Ranau & Kokol Hill
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Up to 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
S$ 56.29
ATV Borneo Adventure - Ultimate Kundasang ATV Experience
English guided
Morning departure
7+ hrs
Instant confirmation
S$ 31.25
Kota Kinabalu Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring Full-Day Tour
Hotel pick-up
Instant confirmation
S$ 71.89
Top attractions in Kota Kinabalu
Historical site
Atkinson Clock Tower
Step into the rich history of Kota Kinabalu with a visit to the iconic Atkinson Clock Tower, also known as Menara Jam Atkinson. Discover the timeless charm of this historic structure, which stands as a symbol of resilience and heritage in Sabah. Built in memory of Francis George Atkinson, the first district officer of Jesselton, the Atkinson Clock Tower offers a glimpse into the past and pays tribute to the city's enduring spirit.
Tourist sight
Masjid Bandaraya
Discover the enchanting Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, also known as the Likas Floating Mosque, a stunning architectural gem inspired by Arabic design. Situated on the Likas coast with a sprawling 14.83-hectare area, this mosque can accommodate up to 12,000 worshippers at a time. Officially opened on February 18, 2000, following Kota Kinabalu's declaration as a city, this mosque boasts features reminiscent of Masjid Nabawi, with nearly 70% of its area surrounded by water. Located just 5km north of the city, this mosque is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking cultural and historical experiences in Kota Kinabalu.
Museum
Sabah State Museum
Welcome to the Sabah State Museum in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, a hidden gem perched on a hill overlooking the city. Dive into the rich history and culture of Sabah, a region known for its wildlife, trade history, and diverse ethnic groups. Explore a treasure trove of artifacts, exhibits, and galleries that showcase the diverse traditions and history of this Malaysian state.
Scenic spot
Tun Mustapha Tower
Experience the awe-inspiring Tun Mustapha Tower in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Standing tall at 122 meters with 30 stories of glass, this iconic tower offers a mesmerizing view of Likas Harbour. Built in 1976 by the renowned Mori Building Company, this unique landmark combines modern architecture with historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking panoramic views and cultural insights. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of this architectural marvel as you explore its revolving floor and learn about its transformation from Sabah Foundation Tower to Tun Mustapha Tower. With an exhibition hall inside and free entry, this tower offers a captivating experience for visitors.
Island
Sepanggar Island
Discover the remote and enchanting Sepanggar Island, a hidden gem surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Kota Kinabalu. Embrace the island's serene rhythm and immerse yourself in nature's beauty, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Escape the hustle and bustle of Kota Kinabalu city and discover the hidden gem of Sepanggar Island. Just a short 12-minute boat ride away, this tranquil paradise offers a serene getaway for those seeking a peaceful seaside retreat. Uncover the untouched beauty of Sepanggar Island, a place where you can relax on white sandy beaches, explore lush tropical rainforests, and enjoy a variety of water activities. Embark on a journey to the tranquil and leisurely Sepanggar Island in Kota Kinabalu, where the sound of nature serenades visitors and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, this island paradise beckons travelers seeking relaxation and adventure.
Transport in Kota Kinabalu
Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty - Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik Island Ferry
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
S$ 29.69
Kota Kinabalu｜Kota Kinabalu International Airport Private Airport Transfer
Bestseller
Instant confirmation
S$ 10.55
Kota Kinabalu car rentals | Rent a car for Mari Mari Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu, Sapi, Manukan Island, Kawa Kawa Wildlife
Instant confirmation
From
S$ 47
S$ 58.55
Kota Kinabalu Private Car Charter
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
S$ 98.15
Kota Kinabalu and Outskirts Private Car Charter
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
S$ 242.89
Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
Gaya Centre Hotel
Instant confirmation
From
S$ 40.48
20 off
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Instant confirmation
From
S$ 113.61
20 off
The Pacific Sutera Hotel
Instant confirmation
From
S$ 122.78
20 off
The Magellan Sutera Resort
Instant confirmation
From
S$ 204.62
20 off
Tune Hotel - 1Borneo Kota Kinabalu
Instant confirmation
From
S$ 47.27
20 off
Shangri La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu
Instant confirmation
From
S$ 281.14
20 off
Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai
Instant confirmation
From
S$ 105.19
20 off
Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Instant confirmation
From
S$ 75.35
20 off
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Instant confirmation
From
S$ 69.62
20 off
Hotel 7 Suria
Instant confirmation
From
S$ 62.45
20 off
Hotel Capital
Instant confirmation
From
S$ 42.57
S$ 42.99
20 off
Gayana Marine Resort
Instant confirmation
From
S$ 337.46
20 off
Reviews of Kota Kinabalu activities
Aik *******
2026-06-25 06:50:19
Everything is very well arranged and organised. Right from picked up till end of hike. The accommodation lodge at Kinabalu park was fantastic. The hike was rather tough though especially the one at 2.30am to the summit. Need to pay addition to the guide and transport back to accommodation as exceeded the stipulated time though.
Mohamad ******************
2026-04-28 14:06:26
Solo climb mount kinabalu with one guide. Paid more but had a wonderful experience and everything goes smoothly.
HSIA *******
2026-04-06 08:37:25
Because the weather was good, I didn't use hiking poles at all. I honestly don't think it's a very difficult mountain to climb, though some sections require very large steps, so hiking poles would make it a bit easier. The temperature on the mountain is lower in the early morning, so remember to wear a jacket when you go up! From the summit, you can see the full view of the sacred mountain bathed in sunlight, which is incredibly beautiful. If I have the chance, I'd love to experience watching the sunrise. If needed, you can also rent wooden hiking poles at the base of the mountain for 3 Malaysian Ringgit each.
Julinda ************
2026-03-21 04:15:04
Great hiking experience! Our guide was punctual, very patient with my mum, and always made sure we felt safe throughout the journey. Really appreciated the care and professionalism—made the whole trip enjoyable and stress-free.
Klook User
2025-12-31 10:24:28
🥇 Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (Kota Kinabalu)
Islands: Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, Gaya
⭐ Best for: First-timers, short trip, families
👍 Pros
• Very close to KK (10–20 mins boat)
• Easy half-day island hopping
• Clear water on good weather days
• Snorkeling, parasailing, sea walking
👎 Cons
• Can be crowded (especially weekends & holidays)
• Coral quality is average, not pristine
⭐ Verdict
Best convenience island hopping in Sabah. Easy, fun, no long travel.
Siying ***
2026-01-13 12:36:41
We were assigned William as our driver and guide. William proactively introduced attractions as we drove past them. He was also very helpful in taking many photos for us throughout the trip.
On the way back to the city, we were caught in a traffic jam and needed to add an extra hour. While he could have simply dropped us off at the original destination—which would have meant paying an extra hour for only about a 30-minute drive—he instead took us on a mini city tour, pointing out key landmarks around Kota Kinabalu. He extended the route and eventually dropped us off about 1.5 hours later, while only charging us for one additional hour.
Klook会員
2026-01-01 11:56:47
The driver planned the route in advance, so we were able to smoothly tour the Kinabalu Park area! I hired him as a driver, but he also acted as a guide, which was a great help.
reni *******
2026-06-01 15:18:18
This trip was definitely my highlight of 6-day vacation in KK. The trip was well organized, with great itinerary and service from all the crew. We were being picked up on time at our hotel in KK by Jordan who drove smoothly and very kind. There were some selections of beverages for high tea (cold water, juice, coffee), also mung bean porridge and banana fritters, which were really good. During the cruise, we saw the proboscis monkeys, long tail, monitor lizard, and crocodile. Our guide, Garry was funny, knowledgeable, and was great in explaining about the animals & surrounding areas. We got back to the Jetty for early dinner with Malaysian cuisine buffet & it tasted delicious. Then we countinued the cruise to the mirror beach and took some pictures. On the way back, we got to see a lot of fireflies on the trees and Garry and the crew were good on inviting them to fly around us on the boat. Jordan then drove us back safely and comfortably to KK. Overall this tour is highly recommended!
Jing ********
2026-04-30 12:20:26
Very nice and cosy island hopping experience. The boat ride was smooth and windy, the weather was very good that day. Both Sapi and Manukan Island had very nice beach. The tour guide, Nanak, is very friendly and answered all our question, also helped everyone take care of their bags and things. The banana boat and snorkelling are must go. Managed to see quite a few species of fish, snorkelling is limited to the areas near the shore but can spot quite a lot of fish. The sun is very strong so must apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Time was also sufficient and ended quite early at 3pm.
Kota Kinabalu at a glance
Quick facts about Kota Kinabalu
General info
What to know before visiting Kota Kinabalu
Quick snapshot of Kota Kinabalu’s offerings
Kota Kinabalu is a gateway for outdoor and island experiences, with Tours, Water activities and Cultural experiences leading bookings. Demand ebbs and flows through the year, with clear busy months and quieter pockets that shape how travellers plan.
Best times to visit and how prices move
Klook data shows January as the busiest month and February as the quietest, with demand dipping again in March then rising into April and July. Prices tend to be lowest around August and reach their highest in March, so price and demand don’t always move together — March can be pricier even though it isn’t the single busiest month. If you want lower prices and smaller crowds, target August or the trough period; for peak-season atmosphere pick January or other high-demand months.
Tips for travellers from Singapore
Most travellers from Singapore book about four days ahead, and last-minute bookings are often possible within a couple of days, so a short-notice getaway is doable. If you’re travelling during January or other busy months, consider planning and reserving experiences a bit earlier or during the two-week early window to secure popular Tours and Water activities on Klook.
FAQs about Kota Kinabalu
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What is Kota Kinabalu best known for on Klook?
What is Kota Kinabalu best known for on Klook?